Eyeline Match
A continuity technique cutting from a character looking at something off-screen to a shot of what they're observing. Eyeline matches establish spatial relationships and guide viewer attention through character perspective. The direction of the character's gaze in the first shot must match the position of the object in the second shot to maintain consistent screen geography.
When to Use
- Establishing what characters see and their reactions
- Creating spatial continuity in dialogue scenes
- Revealing information through character perspective
- Shot-reverse-shot sequences requiring clear spatial logic
Famous Examples
Rear Window (1954)
Jeffries looking out window to what he observes
Jaws (1975)
Brody's gaze matching to shark fin reveal
The Shining (1980)
Danny looking up at room 237
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